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Best Ground Turkey Recipes

Say hello to feel-good comfort food! From flavorful meatballs to juicy burgers, these are the best ground turkey recipes that make dinnertime a breeze any night of the week.

A collage of photos with ground turkey recipes.
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Let’s Talk (Ground) Turkey

Ok, real talk. It’s time we thought of turkey as an everyday dish and not just the holiday dinner. Don’t worry, we are not cooking a massive bird just to enjoy this lean meat. Instead we are going use ground turkey to make the best ground turkey recipes that can be served any day of the year.

Plus, ground turkey is not only healthier (which is why we love it so much) than ground beef or chicken, it is also extremely versatile as a main ingredient. It is so good in meatballs, meatloaf, burgers, lasagna, tacos, chili, soups, and so on. Ground turkey really does it all.

Ground Turkey FAQs

Is ground turkey healthier than ground beef?

The two are more similar health-wise than most people think, but ground turkey is lower in saturated fat than ground beef.

What is ground turkey made from?

Most store-bought ground turkey is made by grinding the meat from turkey thighs and drumsticks. There are, however, some brands that will use the turkey breast.

How long does raw ground turkey last?

Since the meat is ground, it is best to cook it within 1 to 2 days.

Can I swap ground turkey for ground chicken or beef in recipes?

Ground turkey is a wonderful substitute for ground chicken since the two are similar in taste. You can swap ground beef for ground turkey in most recipes, but it’s good to keep in mind that the flavor and texture will be different.

Can I freeze ground turkey?

Yes! Simply seal the raw meat in a zip-top bag or freezer-safe container and store in the freezer up to 4 months.

Ground Turkey Meatballs + Meatloaf

After trying ground turkey in meatballs or meatloaf, you may never go back to ground beef. The turkey soaks up flavor and retains moisture making it ideal in these ground turkey meat recipes.

sliced turkey meatloaf

Turkey Burgers + Sandwiches

Grill night or game day just got a whole lot better. These ground turkey recipes for burgers and sandwiches are sure to be hit at any meal.

Close up of turkey sloppy joes.

Chili + Soup Recipes with Ground Turkey

Ground turkey makes any chili or soup better, and these recipes are proof. Plus, many of these ground turkey recipes can be made in a slow cooker.

Turkey chili in a white bowl.

Feel-Good Ground Turkey Recipes

Get ready to feel good after eating these classic comfort foods made just a little bit lighter with ground turkey.

ground turkey with vegetables and rice in bowl

Pasta Recipes Using Ground Turkey

These classic pasta dishes with ground turkey get a healthy twist and tastes just as good as the original.

lifting lasagna roll up out of pan

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A collage of photos with ground turkey recipes.

Best Ground Turkey Recipes

5 from 5 votes
↑ Click stars to rate now!
Author: Jamielyn Nye
Say hello to feel-good comfort food! From flavorful meatballs to juicy burgers, these ground turkey recipes make dinner a breeze any night of the week. These easy turkey meatballs are one of my favorite recipes to make for a weeknight dinner!
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Servings: 6

Ingredients 

  • 1 pound lean ground turkey
  • 3-4 Tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
  • 1 large egg , beaten
  • ¼ cup breadcrumbs
  • ¼ cup grated parmesan cheese
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon onion powder
  • ¾ teaspoon Kosher salt
  • ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper

Instructions

  • Preheat the oven to 375°F. Line a baking sheet with foil and spray with nonstick spray. 
  • In a large bowl, mix the turkey, parsley, egg, breadcrumbs, parmesan, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper with your hands until just combined, being careful not to overmix.
  • Using a medium cookie scoop or a spoon, portion the mixture onto the baking sheet. Using your hands, shape each portion into 1 1/2-inch balls. Return to the baking sheet.
  • Bake uncovered, turning halfway through, 17 to 20 minutes, or until no longer pink in the center. 

Notes

Stovetop: You can also cook in a pan on the stove with 1 Tablespoon oil over medium-high heat for 6 to 7 minutes, or until cooked through. 
Storage: These meatballs can be kept in the fridge up to 1 week in an airtight container.
Freeze: Store in a freezer-friendly bag up to 3 months. To avoid having them freeze in a clump, flash freeze them on the baking tray first before transferring them to the bag.

Nutrition

Calories: 114kcal | Carbohydrates: 3g | Protein: 18g | Fat: 3g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 62mg | Sodium: 375mg | Potassium: 216mg | Vitamin A: 225IU | Vitamin C: 2.3mg | Calcium: 55mg | Iron: 0.9mg

Nutrition provided is an estimate. It will vary based on specific ingredients used.

Course: Main Dish
Cuisine: American

Did you make this recipe? Don’t forget to give it a star rating below!

The Full List of Ground Turkey Recipes

Click on the links below to find the recipes for all of the delicious ground turkey recipes mentioned above.

healthy turkey meatballs
Turkey Meatball Recipe
Easy, healthy and full of flavor. Low in carbs and fat and high in protein. This turkey meatball recipe makes the perfect weeknight dinner!
Total Time: 35 minutes
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Sliced turkey meatloaf.
Turkey Meatloaf
This ground turkey meatloaf is a lighter spin on a classic comfort food. It's packed with lean protein and tastes moist, tender and super flavorful. 
Total Time: 55 minutes
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Crockpot Turkey Meatloaf
Crockpot turkey meatloaf is made with just 10 minutes of prep time and ready for you when you walk in the door. Don't let this delicious, no-fuss, comfort food classic fool you, it's perfect for serving guests too!
Total Time: 3 hours 40 minutes
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Greek meatballs on top of a salad in a bowl.
Greek Chicken Meatballs
Baked to golden perfection and packed with flavor these Greek chicken meatballs are amazing alongside a zesty Greek salad and a dollop of tzatziki sauce. Using fresh ingredients like lean ground chicken, dill, lemon zest, cumin, and oregano, makes it impossible to stop eating them!
Total Time: 35 minutes
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Teriyaki meatballs in a bowl with white rice.
Teriyaki Meatballs
Juicy and tender teriyaki meatballs are easy to make then coated in a sweet and sticky homemade teriyaki sauce that is melt-in-your mouth flavorful!
Total Time: 35 minutes
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Lemon-Dill Meatballs With Orzo Recipe
Lemon-Dill Meatballs With Orzo Recipe
With nutty orzo, tender meatballs, bitter greens and spoonfuls of herby yogurt, this Mediterranean-inspired skillet dinner is hearty yet light There’s an incredible amount of dill, but don’t bother plucking fronds from the stems Instead, chop the whole plant until you hit the roots; the stems are cr…
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Turkey Burgers
The absolute BEST turkey burgers that are moist, juicy and loaded with flavor. Only 5 ingredients and 20 minutes to prepare!
Total Time: 20 minutes
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Turkey Sloppy Joe on a white plate with pickles.
Turkey Sloppy Joes
These turkey sloppy joes are a quick and easy weeknight dinner made with lean ground turkey, a zesty homemade sloppy joe sauce and then served with toasted buns.
Total Time: 30 minutes
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Sweet & Spicy BBQ Bacon Hawaiian Turkey Burgers - Ambitious Kitchen
Sweet & Spicy BBQ Bacon Hawaiian Turkey Burgers – Ambitious Kitchen
Flavorful, lightened up Hawaiian turkey burgers packed with AMAZING flavor thanks to turkey bacon, bbq sauce & pepper jack cheese. Best turkey burgers EVER!
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Greek Chicken Burger Recipe
A delicious Greek chicken burger stuffed with feta cheese, red pepper, parsley, garlic, red onion and seasonings. This burger is light on calories without sacrificing flavor!
Total Time: 20 minutes
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Ground Turkey Stroganoff Baguette Sandwiches
Ground Turkey Stroganoff Baguette Sandwiches
Ground Turkey Stroganoff Baguette Sandwiches
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Bowl of the best turkey chili.
Healthy Turkey Chili
This healthy turkey chili recipe is hearty and delicious with plenty of flavor, plus it is easily made on the stove top or slow cooker. Perfect for a cozy dinner.
Total Time: 1 hour
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Slow Cooker Turkey Chili
Bold flavors and simple comfort are what this slow cooker turkey chili is all about! Ground turkey, loads of beans, and veggies are combined in deliciously seasoned broth cooked low and slow and ready to serve at the end of the day!
Total Time: 4 hours 15 minutes
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Italian Wedding soup in a white bowl.
Italian Wedding Soup
Learn to make this classic Italian-Inspired soup in under 1 hour! A restaurant-style Italian wedding soup is filled with juicy meatballs, orzo pasta, tender veggies, and spinach, cooked in a flavorful broth that is so easy to make from scratch!
Total Time: 45 minutes
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Butternut Squash and Turkey Chili
Butternut Squash and Turkey Chili
Not your average chili, this butternut squash and turkey chili features red lentils and is simmered in a creamy coconut milk and tomato broth. It can be made in your pressure cooker or on the stove top!
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Ground Turkey Soup with Vegetables and Pasta
Ground Turkey Soup with Vegetables and Pasta
This ground turkey soup is simple to make, inexpensive, healthy, and comforting. Pasta and beans make this brothy soup extra filling!
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Quinoa stuffed peppers in a baking dish.
Quinoa Stuffed Peppers Recipe
These quinoa stuffed peppers are loaded with plant-based protein, lean ground turkey and flavorful seasonings! It's a healthy and delicious way to eat more veggies that your family will love.
Total Time: 1 hour
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cooking egg roll filling in a skillet
Egg Roll in a Bowl Recipe
This egg roll in a bowl recipe is an easy low carb alternative to egg rolls! Made with ground turkey and veggies tossed in a flavorful sauce of choice and ready in 20 minutes.
Total Time: 20 minutes
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lettuce cup with taco meat and pico de gallo
Taco Lettuce Wraps
Taco lettuce wraps are a healthy, flavorful and delicious protein packed, low-carb alternative to traditional tacos. They're paleo, gluten-free and an easy Whole 30 recipe!
Total Time: 15 minutes
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Pf Changs Lettuce Wraps on a white plate.
Pf Chang’s Lettuce Wraps Recipe
Copycat PF Chang's lettuce wraps taste like the restaurant version but made at home in 20 minutes. It's an easy weeknight meal that's easy and tasty!
Total Time: 20 minutes
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Black Bean Turkey Nachos with Jalapeno Yogurt.
Black Bean Turkey Nachos with Jalapeno Yogurt.
Black Bean Turkey Nachos with Jalapeno Yogurt – Deliciously perfect for Superbowl Sunday or even as a fun weeknight dinner! From halfbakedharvest.com
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lasagna roll up on plate
Lasagna Roll Ups
Tender lasagna noodles filled with a creamy ricotta cheese filling and a flavorful meat sauce. These lasagna roll ups are an easy dinner idea that your family will request again and again. 
Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
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Mexican Stuffed Shells
Easy Mexican stuffed shells filled with a cheesy beef mixture full of spice and flavor. A fun twist on the traditional recipe that's perfect for busy weeknights! 
Total Time: 45 minutes
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Turkey Lasagna Will Fill You Up Without Weighing You Down
Turkey Lasagna Will Fill You Up Without Weighing You Down
The sauce is 🙌.
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Ground Turkey Pasta Recipe
Ground Turkey Pasta Recipe
This Ground Turkey Pasta Recipe is a super easy, cheesy, and flavorful weeknight dinner made with lean ground turkey and pasta smothered in a creamy tomato sauce.
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